For students who are history buffs or who are interested in Martin Luther King Jr.’s connection to Alabama State University, the Levi Watkins Learning Center (LWLC) will be displaying an exhibit that explains his connection to the university.
As a birthday tribute to King, the exhibit focuses on his various interactions with the university and notable Montgomery leaders when he resided in Montgomery.
According to Howard Robinson, Ph.D., the associate director for archives and cultural heritage at the university, King relied heavily on the university while living in Montgomery, simply because it was the only historically Black college and university (HBCU) in town.
In 1954, King came to Montgomery to serve as the pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church and resided with then-university vice president J.T. Brooks. This was his only option as the hotels in the area refused to accommodate Black citizens. He was then granted permission by Brooks to use the George Washington Trenholm Hall library to write his dissertation.
On May 15, 1955, King delivered the commencement address on campus. The Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, later known as the Dexter Avenue King Baptist Memorial Church, was labeled the “college church” due to its strong ties to the university. The university has paid tribute to several individuals recognized in the exhibit on campus.
As a token of appreciation for their contributions, Ralph David Abernathy, Jo Ann Gibson Robinson and King himself have all had buildings named in their honor.
Several students who have taken the time to visit the exhibit expressed positive remarks.
“This exhibit was super informative,” said senior communications major Niyah Martin. “I enjoyed reading about the connection between prominent Black historical figures and Alabama State University!”
Amiyah Williams agreed.
“It was amazing to be able to learn more about key figures who have made such an impact in not only the city of Montgomery but Alabama State University,” she said. “This was both inspiring and informative for students like me who want to know about our history and find ways to positively contribute to it.”
Janice Franklin, Ph.D., director of The National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African American Culture encourages students to visit these exhibits to learn about the university’s rich history.
“Do not take for granted that you have landed here at this school with a rich history,” Robinson advises.